Reckless or Destructive Play
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: DESTRUCTIVE PLAY What does “Destructive Play” mean? Acting out scary events or playing aggressively with toys. Children use play to understand their experiences. This type of play may be a way to manage anxiety and try to understand their trauma. In children aged 2-5 years Recreating traumatic events in […]
Sexualized Behaviors
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Sexualized Behaviors Talking about sex or doing sexual things that are not appropriate for your age. This may be a way to self-soothe or an impulsive behavior. Children that have been exposed to sex or been sexually abused may also re-enact those experiences. For more information, go to the […]
Aggression
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Trying to physically harm other people or yourself. Aggression happens more often when children can’t control their negative emotions and when they have been around violence. In children aged 2-5 years Hitting or pushing Biting Kicking Throwing toys Breaking objects In children aged 6-10 years Hitting, pushing, choking, or […]
Temper Tantrums
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: TANTRUMS What does “Tantrums” mean? Big emotional reactions and behaviors. Tantrums are a normal part of childhood. After trauma, they may get bigger, happen more often, and be harder to calm. In children aged 2-5 years Yelling, crying, or being physically aggressive Laying down, banging their hands, and screaming […]
Avoidance
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Avoidance Actively avoiding things that remind you of a traumatic event. Children might try not to:– Talk or think about it– Feel big emotions – Do things or be around people related to it In children aged 2-5 years Not reaching out for comfort if hurt Refusing to be […]
Clinginess
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Clinginess Seeking constant or frequent reassurance from a caregiver that you are safe. In children aged 2-5 years Physically clinging or holding onto their caregiver Following their caregiver, including into the bathroom Holding onto a stuffed animal, blanket, or other comforting object or toy. In children aged 6-10 years […]
PTSD, Fear, and Anxiety
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Post-traumatic stress What does “Post-Traumatic Stress” mean? Post-traumatic stress is ongoing mental health problems children may have after trauma. These can look very different in younger and older children. In children aged 2-5 years Being easily startled Constant crying or whining Headaches or stomach aches Being scared of going […]
Regression
A symptom of Stress and Trauma: Regression Regression is acting younger than you typically act. Trauma and stress can make children feel powerless. Children may regress as a way to find comfort in how things were before the event. In children aged 2-5 years Thumb sucking Asking for a bottle Wetting the bed after being fully potty-trained […]
Sensitivity to Sensory Input
An area of Temperament: Very sensitive, avoids sensory input Not very sensitive, seeks sensory input What does this mean? A child’s sensitivity to sensory input defines how much sensory input they need to feel comfortable. Some examples of sensory input are: Light Sounds Texture of fabric or food Tastes of different foods Movement, pressure, or […]
Distractibility
A characteristic of Temperament: Hyperfocused, low sensitivity Easily distracted, high sensitivity What does this mean? Distractibility is how easily a child becomes distracted when they are trying to focus. You can think of this as a type of sensitivity to things in the environment or internal feelings. What does this look like? Some children can […]
